UPDATE: Fargo moose marked, released

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is cautioning hunters not to shoot a bull moose with a large white “X” on each front shoulder.

The moose was released in the Erie Dam Wildlife Management Area in Cass County after it was immobilized and removed from a south Fargo business area today. The wildlife management area is part of unit M6 and has an open moose season from Nov. 20 to Dec. 13.

“Hunters need to be aware of this and not shoot the moose,” said Greg Link, Game and Fish assistant wildlife division chief. “Because the drugs used to immobilize the 1,000-pound animal will remain in its muscle tissue for several months.”

It is possible the drug in the moose meat would be harmful if consumed.

The moose was reported at 5:43 a.m. north of Interstate 94 in Fargo. Police officers created a barrier to keep the animal from running into traffic or threatening people until a veterinarian arrive and immobilized the animal with the tranquilizer dart.

Game and Fish officials expect the paint on the moose to wear off over time, and by next fall hunters will not need to worry about residual drugs in the muscle tissue.

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